Amla (Indian gooseberry) : Vitamin C supplement

Amla/Indian gooseberry is a big powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants. As per Ayurveda also, amla juice is known to balance all the processes in the body and brings to equilibrium all doshas. It has innumerable health benefits. The antioxidant properties make it a superfood which helps in maintaining whole body’s well-being and prevent most common diseases.

Benefits of Amla Juice for Hair

Give strength to hair:

For damaged or frizzy hair or split ends, amla juice do wonders. Apply it on the hair for about half an hour and then rinse with lukewarm water. Doing this frequently will make your hair very shiny and strong.

Promotes hair growth:

Amla is very rich in iron & vitamins which boost hair growth. These nutrients and other minerals make your hair follicles strong, thus ensuring better hair growth. Apply mixture of amla juice and lemon juice on your hair. Wash it off after 30-45 minutes.

Prevents greying of hair:

Grey hair is a very common problem now a days. Amla juice helps in improving the pigmentation of hair and retain the dark colour. Apply it regularly over hairs to prevent premature greying of hair.

Helps to get rid of dandruff:

Amla juice is a very good source of vitamin C and it helps in removing dandruff. Application of amla juice on the scalp twice every week improves the issue of oily scalp and dandruff.

Benefits of Amla Juice for Skin

Helps in dark spots reduction:

Vitamin C presence in amla juice lightens skin and reduces pigmentation. Regularly apply Amla juice on your face regularly for maximum benefits. It will lighten the dark spots and give a natural glow to your face.

Provides anti-ageing benefits:

Amla juice is packed with antioxidants that help fight all signs of ageing. Vitamin C is also an essential component in keeping your face free from blemishes and fine lines. Consuming Amla juice delays ageing and keeps your skin looking young and wrinkle free.

Health Benefits Of Amla Juice:

• Helps asthma patients: Drinking amla juice can help reduce irritation in the respiratory system. It provides a soothing effect to those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis due to it’s anti-inflammatory nature.

• Good for heart: Amla juice lowers the cholesterol level. On regular use, it protect the heart from stress and antioxidants increase the life span.

• Controls diabetes: Consuming amla juice daily with turmeric powder and honey (optional) twice a day is known to be helpful in keeping diabetes under control. The chromium present in amla helps control the blood sugar levels. Apart from that, it also stimulates the secretion of insulin.

• Burns fat: A glass of amla juice every day improves health and reduces cholesterol levels. Include it in your regular diet if you want to get rid of that stubborn belly fat.
• Treats constipation: Amla juice act as laxative. It also regulate bowel movements and make stool passage easy. It can be helpful in relieving you of many stomach issues.
• Purifies blood: Amla juice is good for your liver’s health. Amla juice purifies the blood and increases the haemoglobin percentage of your body as it is rich in iron.

Other benefits of Amla Juice:

Amla juice has innumerable benefits. Using it, by ingesting or applying, can help you in many ways.

Anti-oxidant

Amla juice is packed with various vitamins such as carotene, phosphorus, calcium, iron and vitamin B complex. It is a perfect mix of antioxidants that flushes toxins out of your body. It further ensures your body’s protection from oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals. Ayurveda holds that regular consumption of amla juice promotes longevity.

Immunity booster

Amla juice has a vital composition- Vitamin C which improve the immune system. The antibacterial properties of the juice help fight off bacteria and infections.

Conclusion

The Indian gooseberry is rich in vital nutrients. Numerous studies have stated its importance in the human diet. But like any other food out there, moderation is key.

Stick to the dosage mentioned. If you are on any medication or have any health condition, please speak to your doctor as it may have different effects on different people.

Green Tea health benefits

Green tea is arguably one of the most popular healthy beverages available right now. This is credited with multiple health benefits due to the presence of numerous antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Green tea is considered more beneficial than other type of teas like traditional black and oolong teas as the final product is do not undergo the same oxidation process as the latter. Green tea has number of different varieties with different benefits and everyone of them boost health. Green tea contains 20-45% polyphenols by weight, of which 60-80% are catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Since green tea is minimally processed before it’s poured into your cup, it’s very rich in catechins.

Green tea health benefits can be enjoyed both from drinking it and applying it on skin. Here are the six top reasons to use green tea.

May Help Fight Acne

Green tea contains a component called as EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which is a anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It may help prevent acne and skin infections as it is a powerful antibacterial agent. Polyphenols can damage bacterial membranes and fight against infection and hence reduce bacterial growth that causes acne. If you include it in the daily routine, helps to reduce skin inflammation. All these benefits leads to smoother, beautiful skin.

May Slow Down Skin Ageing

There is lot of research going on and it suggest that topical application of green tea extracts along with consumption of the tea may help improve skin elasticity. So, the skin will be more healthy and skin ageing will be slow. It may also reverse UV damage on the skin due to too much exposure in sun.

The active ingredient help prevent and reduce inflammatory acne lesions. And it’s a stress-reliever (thanks to its anxiolytic and antioxidant effects), which aids with stress acne. Chamomile is ideal for inducing feelings of calm and rest, which are critical for allowing the skin to naturally heal.

May helps in Dark Circle

Green tea contains tannin and caffeine. When applied topically to the eye area regularly, it can act like remedy for the problem of dark circles. It is because of the property to shrink the fine blood vessels around the eyes, making for it a great product. So, apply the cold tea bags once you have it and voila!!

May help in Weight Loss

Green tea can help you to lose weight. Studies suggest that the flavonoids and caffeine present in the green tea can help increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation and even improve insulin activity.

Green tea is a smart alternative for sugary drinks if you substitute green tea for a bottle of an aerated drink or processed juice, you can save yourself from consuming lots of calories, which can easily mean losing weight.

Besides that, Green tea ingredients increases the pace of metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. Hence, take it everyday.

May Helps to Lower Cholesterol Levels

Consuming green tea daily affects your cholesterol levels positively. The antioxidants in green tea can help to:

• block the oxidation of the bad LDL cholesterol
• increase the good HDL cholesterol
• improve artery function

Numerous studies showed reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of green tea, compared to people who did not consume tea.

May Benefit People With Diabetes

Green tea can benefit people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as help those who are trying to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

The key polyphenol in green tea, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main chemicals behind the beneficial health effects of green tea. It helps sensitise cells by enabling them to metabolise sugar, which is beneficial for people suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

May Helps in Cold and Flu

Green tea contains a powerful catechin antioxidant known as Epigallocatechin gallate, which increases your immunity to fight against multiple bacterias and viruses.

Researchers found that not only does drinking tea on a regular basis help you recover from a cold but may also make you less likely to get one in the first place and could help prevent recurring or new infections.

This content provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or doctor for more information.

How AIR PURIFIER can improve your health today

Looking for an air purifier ?? U need to know few things about it to make a decision for yourself. Lets take a look.

It is a device made up of porous material which removes dust, pollen and bacteria from the air but filters with an adsorbent or catalyst may remove odors and gases. Hence, help with allergies and asthma. The commercially graded air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units which can cover large areas.  

Filtration methods

Two types of air purification technologies are present, active and passive.

Active air purifiers release negatively charged ions causing pollutants to attached to them, while Passive purifiers use air filters to remove pollutants. Passive purifiers are more efficient as the dust and solid particles permanently removed from the air and get collected in the filters which can be cleaned.

Other methods includes :

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA/HVAC) filters and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)

Basically, air is forced through a filter and particles are physically captured.

• High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters remove at least 99% of 0.3-micrometer particles to larger particles. In dusty environments, a HEPA filter may follow an easily cleaned conventional filter (prefilter) which removes coarser impurities so that the HEPA filter don’t need cleaning or replacing frequently. They do not generate ozone or harmful byproducts.
• Filter HVAC at MERV 14 or above has a capture rate of 75% for particles between 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers. Compared to HEPA filter, HVAC central air system can take more air in the same period of time. Using a high-grade MERV filter can be more effective than using a high-powered HEPA machine.
• Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) use to sterilize air that passes thru UV lamps via a fan which force air past the light.

Best filters available in market are enlisted below. You can choose the one which suits you.

IQAIR HEALTHPRO 250

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Consumption (W): 100-120 V, 50/60 Hz Coverage Area(sq.ft.): 800 Noise Level (dB): NA Air Flow Rate (cubic m/h):70-510m3 /h Filter Type: Hyper Hepa Dimensions: H 71 x W 38 x D 41 cm Ionizer: NA

This is a powerful air purifier that delivers better air quality in their spaces, regardless of it’s cost. It is equipped with PreMax Filter, Cell MG filter which consists of an activated carbon filter and a hospital-grade class H12/13 HEPA filter. It can cover an area of up to 800 sq ft and one can also duct the air purifier for better performance. Average air filter life is 4 years, so no need to change it frequently. It has efficiency of 99.95% which is very difficult to match as compared to others, that’s why the price is high. Price is approx. 1.2 lakh.

SHARP FP-J60M

SPECIFICATIONS Power Consumption (W): 1.2 W Coverage Area(sq.ft.): 520 sq ft Noise Level (dB): 43 dB Air Flow Rate (cubic m/h): 408 CMH Filter Type: HEPA, Pre-Filter,Activated Carbon Dimensions: 416 X 720 X 292 Ionizer:Yes

It is highly efficient due to its H-14 grade HEPA filters and relatively average filter size as compared to others. It act using the Plasma-cluster technology that produces a plasmacluster shot which is a burst of positive and negative ions that remove fine to ultrafine particulates as well as pathogens like virus and bacteria. Hence, keeps the air free form bacteria/viruses and save you from various diseases. Price is approx. 27000.

DYSON PURE HOT + COOL

SPECIFICATIONS Power Consumption (W): 40W Coverage Area(sq.ft.): 600 sq.ft Noise Level (dB): NA Air Flow Rate (cubic m/h): NA Filter Type: 360° Glass HEPA Dimensions:20.5 x 24.8 x 76.4 Ionizer:NA

It’s a good air purifier with good brand value. Under permissible limit, it was able to reduce harmful PM2.5 and PM10 particulates . Packed with features like heated air projection, connectivity, oscillation, scheduling, auto mode and more, it makes a really convenient device for everyone. Due to the various modes and able to control the device, the price of it make you feel secure. Price is approx. 55000.

MI AIR PURIFIER 3

SPECIFICATIONS Power Consumption (W): 38W Coverage Area (sq.ft.): 484 Noise Level (dB): 64 Air Flow Rate (cubic m/h): 310m³/h Filter Type: 360-degree triple layer Dimensions: 240 × 240 × 520 Ionizer:NA

The Mi Air Purifier 3 features similar design as its predecessor but has a new OLED display to show the PM2.5 levels, temperature, humidity levels and has WIFI connectivity. The air purifier has a filter with capability of removing particulates from 0.3-0.5 microns in size and can reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels as well. The device’s cylindrical filter is composed of three layers and comes with a pre-filter, HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter that eliminates dust, pollen and harmful gases. The device claims to have a CADR of 380 cubic meter/h and is said to be effective for rooms up to 484 sq ft. It can also be linked with the Mi Home app to enable IoT capabilities like remote monitoring and control. Price is approx 10000.

PHILIPS SERIES 1000

• SPECIFICATIONS Power Consumption (W): 50 Coverage Area(sq.ft.): 677 Noise Level (dB): 33 Air Flow Rate (cubic m/h): 270 Filter Type: Extra-thick Nano-Protect, HEPA Series 1 Dimensions: NA Ionizer:N/A

The Series 1000 is equipped with Vitashield and NanoProtect Pro (HEPA) Filter which is capable of removing PM2.5 pollutants using both of them. It can also remove harmful gases such as formaldehyde and any volatile organic compounds present in that area. Besides that it can remove pathogens like bacteria and viruses. There is a real-time air quality check on-board. It works in auto-mode if it detects change in air quality and the fan speed increases automatically. Price is approx. 9000.

So, Lets be environment friendly. Please make a effort everyday to save the EARTH.

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Create better environment

AIR PURIFYING PLANTS : make healthy environment

Living in an energy efficient area have side effects like less air flow which can build up indoor air pollution and can cause health issues like asthma. In fact, new or old furnishings, synthetic materials and even the carpet or rugs may carry more chemicals than expected. These chemicals can create up to 90 percent of indoor air pollution. To over come it, air purifiers is best idea but you can choose a natural way to have clean air as it is environment friendly and in a long run, curbs the problem of outdoor pollution also. Hence, choose plants to make your room and home a healthy space.

Plants have lot of benefits and few of them are:

• they improve mood and increase productivity level
• enhance focus and concentration
• improve memory
• reduce stress and fatigue

Plants that Purify the Air

According to studies, indoor plants have the potential to remove up to 70 percent of the volatile organic compounds in air. Listed below are few indoor plants that can get you one-step closer to breathing fresh, clean air at your office or home.

1.  Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)

Everybody aware of the health benefits associated with aloe vera but it can filter formaldehyde from the air. This plant is low maintenance as long as it is situated in a spot having plenty of sunlight.

2.  Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera Jamesonii)

Scientists believe it can improve indoor air quality by removing carbon monoxide and benzene. They have bright and colorful flowers which is add-on point. Remember that they’re not easy to grow indoors as they need outdoor conditions. Expensive and requires well-drained soil that’s been full with compost.

3.  Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens)

This plant has a knack for absorbing benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. It is a full green plant for bright interiors with its beautiful swirls. Buy it when it is small in size but keep a bigger space as it grows very fast. Once it matures and space is not enough, move it to outdoor area. It can survive in both the conditions and relaxing for eyes.

4.  Dendrobium Phalaenopsis

These lovely, bright color orchid is treat to yourself. They can get rid of volatile pollutant that comes from glue and paint. For best results, grow them under direct bright light as in shade, they will move in direction of sunlight. They bloom in season of spring.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorohytum Comosum)

It removes various toxins from the air. It can easily adapt to any environment and require less attention. Misting the plant regularly will rid it of pests. They grow very quickly, need space. Remember to water your spider plants two to three times a week.

6. Snake Plants (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

It removes pollutants like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene, benzene, nitrogen monoxide. It has beautiful green leaves with yellow border. It needs low maintenance. You can keep this plant in the your room as it produces large amounts of oxygen at night.

7. Golden Pothos (Scindapsus Aures)

It’s beautiful to look at, need less space and have formaldehyde removal properties. It need less light to grow and is equally easy to maintain. However, this is not a plant to have at home if you have small children or pets, as it can be toxic when consumed.

8. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)

They bloom in one season only, can add colors to any space. They can remove benzene which is a carcinogen found in plastics, dyes and detergents. This plant requires a good amount of sunlight to bloom, so keep it in area where it can get direct sunlight.

9. Schefflera (Brassaia Actinophylla)

This is a small big rooted plant with glossy waxed looking leaves. They are useful in removal of compounds like benzene and toluene, making it a perfect plant to have clean air. They are beautiful dark green plant but keep them away from pets and children as toxic if consumed. 

10. Fig / Ficus Tree (Ficus Benjamina)

Fig can remove trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and benzene. It need lot of space if you are keeping it indoors as it can grow very tall. It requires less maintenance and less light.

Concerns with Plants

While choosing indoor plants that can purify the air, consider the space require for them to grow properly, lighting conditions like direct or indirect sunlight area. Additionally, few plants are toxic when ingested making them unsafe to keep with pets and children. So, take a guidance by reading about them or by a person who has already have experience of gardening for the tips. They need care, maintenance to thrive and once you accomplish most of it. Voila!!

OTHER WAYS TO PURE INDOOR AIR

Considering the air quality now a days, everybody is looking for the option to have healthy space. The one you can create at your home with the help of air filters or plants or both. So if you are new to plants or don’t have enough room, purchasing an air purifier is one easy step to cleaner air. But here are few tips to follow:

• Avoid using synthetic cleaners, opt for white vinegar for cleaning mirrors, refrigerators, windows, kitchen and bathroom taps, shower heads, ovens.
• Baking soda for eliminating odors from carpets and removing stains.
• Lemon for cleaning refrigerators, kitchen sinks, toilet bowls and shower doors.
• Rubbing alcohol for the difficult stains
• Borax
• Natural soaps and shower gels
• Microfiber cloths
• Keep your floors clean by vacuuming and mopping
• Use aromatic candles/ essential oil in place of synthetic air fresheners
• Increase ventilation by keeping windows open for some time
• Install exhaust fans in rooms

Follow these steps and find air purifying plants to make your home a healthy space. It will go a long way to keeping your air fresh and clean. Make a contribution for better environment.

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Meditation for better health and mindfulness

Let’s meditate to make a better version of yourself.

What do you do every day in morning? Most people think about to do list and start working towards it. But this is a great time to stop this and focus on your health and mindfulness. Take a break for 15 minutes and do meditation.

No one needs to be perfect in everything they do. You just have to start breath with silence. You don’t have to be monk or spiritual person to get benefits from meditation. It gives you energy whole day and you act like a never ending powerhouse. It is good for everybody and for all age groups. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are into, you can practice and can get benefit from meditation.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice where a person uses a technique to focus the mind on a thought or any activity which will train mind to be clear and in more stable state. It’s been in practice since 19^th century and was used with the aim of reducing stress, anxiety, depression and pain.

Science Facts

Let’s see how it works. The pituitary gland gets activated when you meditate and secrete endorphins in your brain. These endorphins responsible to make you feel good in whole way. Some studies suggest that meditation helps combat depression and anxiety and may improve pain tolerance.

Best time to meditate

The best time to meditate is in early morning after you wake up. Find silence at any corner and just sit and breathe for few minutes. As you practice it every day, the time will increase and you will be comfortable while doing it. The benefits will come through and the ultimate change associated with it will be more visible to you and others. You will feel energetic and calm at the same time.  In case the time crunch is present or getting up late, find out 10 minutes in whole day when you can practice this and do it!!

5 Benefits of meditation

1.Calm mind

It makes you still and be mindful. In this, you observe your thoughts; try to control them and then letting them go. It is amazing that you can observe your thoughts free of judgment, then letting them pass by, leaving you free from negativity or worry.  It help you kick start your day with full energy.

2.Improved health

Everybody wants perfect health and has a goal to bring mindfulness and awareness to you.  Meditation is a practice which helps you to control your breath while breathing into parts of your body you want to heal.  Every focussed breath gives more oxygen and energy to the body and good endorphins in brain. So, overall, a wonderful combo.

3.Sound sleep

Now a day due to multiple distractions around us, it is getting difficult to get better sleep and it affects our health. Since meditation will help you quickly relax and enter a meditative state. You can get a full and sound sleep at night and can dream big. Then, you are ready to win your next day.

4.Reduce stress

This is most common factor for which people are incorporating meditation in their daily routine. Due to lot of emotional baggage we carry around every day, it just act like a trigger to create the cycles of event which will end up in making us hopeless, irritable and moody. Meditation helps in reducing stress and do calm mind.

Calm your mind

5.Control pain

Perception of pain is dependent on state of mind and stress may increase the same. Just opposite to that, once you are calm the pain control is easy and brain centers become less sensitive to the pain. Meditation increases ability to cope with the pain.

Summary says that the benefits of meditation are countless.  It promoted emotional health, reduce stress, increase mental clarity and focus, improve awareness, helps to control pain, improves health, make you relax and calm. Best one is that its free for ever body.

So, let’s do it!!

Start today and get all the benefits.

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